Fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection

ABSTRACT

A sprinkler with a push-in connection includes a sprinkler frame, an operating element, and a sealing cap. The sprinkler also includes one or more sealing gaskets and a retainer. Each such sealing gasket is located at least partially within a groove in the sprinkler frame. The retainer is also at least partially located within a groove in the sprinkler frame. The retainer connects to an internal bore of an outlet of a fluid supply conduit when the sprinkler is installed in the outlet. The one or more gaskets seal against the internal bore of the outlet when the sprinkler is installed in the outlet. The retainer is a spring mechanism so that the diameter of the retainer is reduced when the sprinkler is inserted into the internal bore of the outlet, and the retainer maintains pressure against the outlet internal bore.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 18/159,163, filed Jan. 25, 2023, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/063,756, filed Oct. 6, 2020, nowU.S. Pat. No. 11,578,827 issued Feb. 14, 2023, which is based on U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/923,931, filed Oct. 21, 2019, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

Our invention generally relates to a fire protection sprinkler with apush-in connection.

2. Related Art

Fire protection sprinklers conventionally are connected to a conduit toreceive pressurized fire-extinguishing fluid, such as water. A typicalsprinkler has a base with a threaded portion for connection to theconduit and an output orifice to output the fluid to provide firecontrol and/or suppression. The output orifice is sealed by a seal cap,which is held in place by a release mechanism. The release mechanism isdesigned to release the cap under predetermined conditions, therebyinitiating the flow of fire-extinguishing fluid. A typical releasemechanism includes a thermally-responsive element, e.g., a frangiblebulb or fusible link, and may also include a latching mechanism.

Certain conventional sprinklers have a pair of arms that extend from thebase portion and meet at a hub portion to form a frame. The hub portionis spaced apart from the output orifice of the base portion and isaligned with a longitudinal axis thereof. The hub portion may have aset-screw configured to apply a pre-tension force to the releasemechanism. A deflector may be mounted on the hub, transverse to theoutput orifice, to provide dispersion of the output fluid.

Fire protection sprinklers may be mounted on a fluid conduit runningalong a ceiling and may either depend downward from the conduit, whichis referred to as a “pendent” configuration, or may extend upward, whichis referred to as an “upright” configuration. Alternatively, a sprinklermay be mounted on a wall, a certain distance below the ceiling, which isreferred to as a “horizontal sidewall” configuration. Horizontalsidewall sprinklers have an output orifice that is oriented so that thefluid is output horizontally and sprays onto an area to be protected infront of the sprinkler. Upright sprinklers may be mounted on a “sprig”or “sprig-up”, which is a supply line that extends vertically from thefluid conduit to supply a single sprinkler.

A sprig may be formed by attaching a short section of pipe (referred toas a “nipple”) to a “tee” or butt-weld branch connection. A tee branchmay be formed, for example, by attaching a mechanical tee to the pipe,which has a base that conforms to the pipe and a threaded or groovedportion that extends from the base. Butt-weld branches may be formed,for example, by welding a fitting to the supply pipe, such as aWeldolet® (Bonney Forge, Mount Union, Pa.), which is a forged steelfitting that conforms to the contour of the supply pipe. Typically, thesprinkler has been installed in a threaded connection at the end of thesprig. In the case of a branch connection having a grooved connection,the section of pipe may be an “adapter nipple”, which is grooved at oneend and a threaded port at the other end for receiving the threaded endof the sprinkler.

One of the disadvantages of the conventional sprig configuration is thatit requires the use of a separate pipe section for each sprinkler, whichincreases the number of components in the system. This also adds toinstallation time, because it requires the separate steps of connectingthe pipe section to the branch and connecting the sprinkler to the pipesection. This configuration also increases the probability of leakage,because it doubles the number of connections between the sprinklers andthe conduits (i.e., it requires two connections per sprinkler).Furthermore, conventional upright sprinkler bodies are not configured toaccommodate a grooved connection without an adapter. Moreover, threadingthe connections together is labor and time intensive.

Sprinklers generally may be categorized as “control mode” or“suppression mode”. Control mode sprinklers are designed to limit thesize of a fire by distribution of water, so as to decrease the heatrelease rate and pre-wet adjacent combustibles, while controllingceiling gas temperatures to avoid structural damage. Suppression modesprinklers are designed to sharply reduce the heat release rate of afire and to prevent its regrowth by means of direct and sufficientapplication of water through the fire plume to the burning fuel surface.

The thermal sensitivity of a sprinkler is a measure of the rapidity withwhich the thermally-responsive release mechanism operates as installedin a specific sprinkler or sprinkler assembly. One measure of thermalsensitivity is the response time index (RTI) as measured understandardized test conditions. Sprinklers defined as fast response have athermal element with an RTI of 50 m-s^(1/2) or less. Sprinklers definedas standard response have a thermal element with an RTI of 80 m-s^(1/2)or more.

“Specific application control mode storage” sprinklers, as defined in UL199 (“Standard for Automatic Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service,”Underwriters' Laboratories, 11^(th) Ed., Nov. 4, 2005), are designed forthe protection of stored commodities, as specified in NFPA 13 (“Standardfor the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,” National Fire ProtectionAssociation, Inc., 2002 Edition), or particular end use limitationsspecified for the sprinkler (e.g., specific hazards or constructionfeatures). According to Section 3.6.2.12 of NFPA 13, a specificapplication control mode sprinkler (for storage use) is a type of spraysprinkler listed at a minimum operating pressure with a specific numberof operating sprinklers for a given protection scheme. Such sprinklersmay be used to protect storage of Class I through Class IV commodities,plastic commodities, miscellaneous storage, and other storage asspecified in Chapter 12 of NFPA 13 (see Section 12.1.2.3).

Sections 8.5 and 8.6 of NFPA 13 specify requirements for theinstallation of standard pendent and upright sprinklers. In particular,Section 8.6.5.2.1.3 specifies requirements for the spacing of standardupright sprinklers with respect to obstructions that may interfere withthe sprinkler spray pattern. However, as indicated in Section8.6.5.2.1.8, these spacing requirements do not apply to uprightsprinklers that are directly attached, i.e., attached without asprig-up, to a supply pipe having a diameter of less than 3 inches.Thus, sprinklers that are designed to be installed without sprig-upshave the advantage of less stringent spacing requirements.

Sections 8.5 and 8.11 specify requirements for the installation ofspecial application control mode sprinklers for storage applications.Section 8.11.5 specifies requirements for installation of specialapplication control mode sprinklers near obstructions that may interferewith the sprinkler spray pattern. Section 8.11.5.2.2 states thatsprinklers are permitted to be attached directly to branch lines lessthan 2 inches in diameter. Sprinklers may be directly attached to largerdiameter branch lines, as well. However, certain minimum distances applyto the use of sprig-ups (or “riser nipples”). Specifically, sprinklerssupplied by a riser nipple must elevate the sprinkler deflector aminimum of 13 inches from the centerline of a 2.5 inch pipe and aminimum of 15 inches from the centerline of a 3 inch pipe. Thus,sprinklers that are designed to be installed without sprig-ups have theadvantage of allowing more flexibility in installation.

FIG. 1 shows a conventional upright sprinkler 100 having a body 101 withan extended portion 105, mounted on a supply pipe 103 using a threadedbranch connection 106. The supply pipe 103 has a nominal inner diameterof, for example, 2″ or 3″ and an outer diameter (OD) of 2.375″ or 3.5″,respectively. The branch connection in this example has a height of1.25″ and a diameter of 1.90″, and it may be used on either 2″ or 3″supply pipes. As discussed above, a dimension, D2, may be definedbetween the underside of the deflector 160 and the top edge 170 of thebody 101. The top edge 170 of the sprinkler body 101 has a diameter (W),and the hub 140 has a radius, X. A height, H, may be defined between thetop of the deflector 160 and a center line of the supply pipe 103.

For comparison purposes, a similar set of dimensions may be defined fora conventional sprinkler positioned on a supply pipe. In such a case,the diameter, W, is defined by the width of the wrench boss (i.e., thedistance between the flat edges of the wrench boss), which forms the topedge of the conventional sprinkler. The desired height, H, may beachieved by using a sprig-up, which may various configurations of pipesections and adapters.

A shadow diameter, S, may be defined, which corresponds to the diameterof the conical-shaped, shadowed region at a particular distance beneaththe sprinkler. To account for shadowing caused by the supply pipe 103(as opposed to the structure of the sprinkler), the shadow diameter (S)is considered to have a baseline value corresponding to the diameter(OD) of the supply pipe 103. The baseline value may change, by an amountdefined as ΔS, depending upon the particular dimensions of thesprinkler, as discussed below. The resulting composite shadow diameter(S′), which is based on the dimensions of the supply pipe and thesprinkler, is given by the expression: S′=S+ΔS. The value of S′ may beless than, equal to, or greater than the baseline shadow diameter (S).

Enhanced protection extended coverage (EPEC) sprinklers are designed tomeet the requirements of the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB),which provides certification for sprinkler systems in the U.K. EPECsprinklers are designed to provide protection for storage applicationsmeeting Ordinary Hazard Group III criteria, in accordance with TechnicalBulletin TB222. The relevant standards allow coverage of an area of 17.6m², which corresponds to a sprinkler spacing of 4.2 m (about 13.8 ft).By contrast, standard (non-extended coverage) sprinklers provide acoverage area of 12 m², which corresponds to a spacing of 3.5 m (about11.5 ft).

FIG. 2 shows a conventional enhanced protection extended coverage (EPEC)pendent sprinkler 200. The sprinkler 200 has a body 210 defining anaxial fluid passage through the body. The top of the body has a threadedportion 220 on its outer surface to allow the sprinkler 200 to beconnected to a conduit (not shown) for providing pressurizedfire-extinguishing fluid, such as water, to an input end 225 of thefluid passage. The fluid passage has an output orifice 230 at theopposite end that is sealed by a seal cap 235. The input end 225 mayhave a diameter of, for example, ¾ inch NPT (national pipe thread). Thesprinkler 200 may have a K-factor of, for example, 8.0 gpm/psi^(1/2),which is defined by K=Q/√N{square root over (p)}, where Q is the flowrate in gallons per minute and p is the residual pressure at the inletof the sprinkler in pounds per square inch (which corresponds to ametric K-factor of 1151 pm/bar^(1/2)). Larger K-factors, for example11.2 gpm/psi^(1/2) (1611 pm/bar^(1/2)) or 14 gpm/psi^(1/2) (2011pm/bar^(1/2)), are also possible.

Two frame arms 240 extend from the lower portion of the body 210 andmeet at a hub 245 positioned below and in axial alignment with theoutput orifice 230. A deflector 300 is positioned on the hub 245 so asto be impinged by the output fluid upon activation of the sprinkler 200.As further discussed below, the deflector 300 in this particularembodiment is a circular disk that is centered on and orthogonal to theaxis of the fluid passage. The disk has a number of slots of varyinglength and orientation arrayed around its periphery.

A release mechanism having a thermally-responsive element, e.g., afrangible bulb 250, is positioned between the hub 245 and the seal cap235 to hold the seal cap 235 in place over the output orifice 230. Asshown in FIG. 2 , the bulb 250 is positioned between the seal cap 235and a set screw 255. The bulb 250 is designed to burst at thepredetermined temperature, which in turn releases the seal cap 235 andallows the fluid to be output from the orifice 230. Of course, othertypes of release mechanisms may be used, including, but not limited to,for example, a fusible link assembly or a sensor, strut, and leverassembly.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show an embodiment of the deflector 300, which as notedabove, is a circular disk having a number of slots of varying length andorientation arrayed around its periphery. The deflector is formed ofmetal, such as, for example, phosphor bronze, and has a radius of about0.8 inches and a thickness of about 0.06 inches. In alternativeembodiments, the radius may be between about 0.5 and about 1.1 inches,preferably, about 0.7 to 0.9 inches. The deflector is formed by stampinga thin piece of metal to form a flat, circular blank (not shown) withslots. The blank may be about 0.02 inches larger in diameter than thefinished deflector, due to the bending of the edges, as discussed below.

The edges of the blank are curved or bent in a further process, so thatthe outer edges 310 of the deflector extend away from the outlet orifice330. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the edges 310 of the deflectormay be bent to form an angle of about 140 with respect to the plane ofthe deflector (this angle may be between about 5° and about 30°,preferably about 100 to about 20°, in alternative embodiments), suchthat the deflector has a planar central portion 320 with a radius ofabout 0.65 inches. The central portion may have a radius of betweenabout 0.4 and about 0.9 inches, preferably, about 0.6 to 0.7 inches.Alternatively, the edges may be left flat.

The positions of the slots may be described in terms of the approximateangle between each slot and section line 3-3, which extends horizontallythough the planar view of the deflector 300 in FIG. 3 . In the exemplaryembodiment, there is a pair of “aligned slots” 325, which are cut outalong section line 3-3, and extend to the outer edge 310 of thedeflector. The aligned slots 325 are aligned with the plane of the framearms 340. The aligned slots 325 have a radial length of about 0.35inches (which is about 44% of the deflector radius). In alternativeembodiments, the length of the aligned slots 325 may be between about0.2 and about 0.6 inches, preferably about 0.3 to about 0.4 inches.

The width of the aligned slots is about 0.08 inches, which inalternative embodiments may vary about ±20%, preferably, about ±15%. Thewidth of the aligned slots is designed to provide a desired amount ofadditional water to the areas under the frame arms 340, i.e., the areaalmost directly below the sprinkler 300. This helps counteract the“shadowing effect,” which is the tendency of the frame arms 340,depending upon their width, to block water output to the area below theframe arms 340. By contrast, extending the length of the aligned slots325 toward the center of the deflector might result in a structurallyweakened deflector, due to the proximity of the inner end of the alignedslots 325 to the adjacent angled slots 345.

There is a pair of “perpendicular slots” 335, which are perpendicular tosection line 3-3. The perpendicular slots 335 also are perpendicular tothe plane of the frame arms 340. The perpendicular slots 335 have aradial length of about 0.46 inches (which is about 58% of the deflectorradius) and a width of about 0.06 inches. In alternative embodiments,the length of the perpendicular slots 335 may be between about 0.3 andabout 0.7 inches, preferably about 0.4 to about 0.5 inches. The width ofthe perpendicular slots may be about 0.06 inches, which in alternativeembodiments may vary about 20%, preferably, about ±15%.

There are four “corner slots” 340 that form an angle of about 500 withsection line 3-3 each having a radial length of about 0.56 inches (about70% of the deflector radius) and a width of about 0.70 inches. Inalternative embodiments, the angle of the corner slots 340 may bebetween about 400 and about 60°, and the length of the corner slots 340may be about 0.4 to about 0.7 inches, preferably, about 0.5 to about 0.6inches. The width of the corner slots may be about 0.06 inches, which inalternative embodiments may vary about ±20%, preferably, about 15%.

There are four angled slots 345 (“the first angled slots”) that arepositioned on both sides of the aligned slots 325 and are oriented toform an angle of about 300 with respect to aligned slots 325. Inalternative embodiments, the angle may be about 150 to about 45°,preferably, about 200 to about 40°. The radial length of the firstangled slots 345 (with respect to the center of the deflector) is about0.4 inches (about 50% of the deflector radius), and these slots 345 havea width of about 0.70 inches. The inner ends of the first angled slots345 are positioned at a radius of about 0.4 inches. In alternativeembodiments, the length of these slots 345 may be about 0.2 to about 0.6inches, preferably, about 0.3 to about 0.5 inches. The width may varyabout ±20%, preferably, about ±15%.

There are an additional four angled slots 350 (“the second angledslots”) that are positioned on either side of the perpendicular slots335 and are oriented to form an angle of about 200 with respect toperpendicular slots 335. In alternative embodiments, the angle may bebetween about 5° and about 35°, preferably, about 100 to about 30°. Theradial length of the second angled slots 350 (with respect to the centerof the deflector) is about 0.2 inches (about 25% of the deflectorradius), and these slots 350 have a width of about 0.09 inches. Theinner ends of the second angled slots 350 are positioned at a radius ofabout 0.6 inches. In alternative embodiments, the length of these slots350 may be about 0.2 to about 0.4 inches, preferably, about 0.2 to about0.25 inches. The width may vary about ±20%, preferably, about ±15%.

The slots discussed above have rounded inner ends with a radius equal toabout half of the slot width, but other geometries may also be used forthe inner ends. Of course, the deflector may have other slots inaddition to those described above.

In accordance with Technical Bulletin TB222, EPEC sprinklers must betested through measurements of actual delivered density and throughcommodity fire tests, in which an array of sprinklers is tested inoperation over predetermined configurations of commodities. The waterflow from the sprinklers must be controlled by the deflector to achievean output pattern that meets the required actual delivered densityspecified for the sprinkler. Representative sample sprinklers areinstalled at a specified spacing for each fire test, which is either 4.0m or 4.2 m for K-8.0 (metric K-factor 115). The required density iseither 6.0 mm/min (for Ordinary Hazard Group III/10) or 6.5 mm/min (forOrdinary Hazard Group III/12.5) over a design area of 160 m², whichcorresponds to an array of ten sprinklers, each covering 16 m².

In order to maintain the proper density of water output over thespecified area, the sprinkler must have a spray pattern that isapproximately square. To achieve such a pattern, the corner slots aredesigned to be somewhat longer than the aligned slots and theperpendicular slots, in order to project more water toward the cornersof the spray pattern. Likewise, the first and second sets of angledslots are angled toward the corner of the output pattern, which furthertends to create a square pattern. In addition, directing the outputspray toward the corner of the spray pattern lessens the amount of wateroutput toward adjacent sprinklers. This helps to prevent “coldsoldering,” which is a condition in which water is output by a sprinklerdirectly onto an adjacent sprinkler, thereby lowering the temperature ofthe adjacent sprinkler and preventing it from properly activating.

For more than one hundred years, sprinklers have been manufactured withthreads for connection to pipe, as noted above. Sprinklers with threadsare typically connected to pipe using a welded, threaded outlet or amechanically-connected threaded outlet. A welded threaded outlet istypically connected to pipe by creating a hole in the pipe, and thenwelding the welded, threaded outlet around the hole. Amechanically-connected threaded outlet is typically connected to pipe bycutting a hole in the pipe, and then mechanically attaching themechanically-connected threaded outlet to the pipe around the hole,often using a clamp around the circumference of the pipe.

The sprinkler threads are connected to the outlet using a threadedsealant, often polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape, applied to thesprinkler threads, then tightening the sprinkler into the outlet using awrench. Sprinklers typically have threads of ½″, ¾″, or 1″ nominal size,although sprinklers with 1¼ ″ nominal treads are available. As thethread size increases, the amount of torque needed to install thesprinkler, while limiting leaks, also increases, and makes theinstallation more time and labor intensive. Thus, a less time and laborintensive method of connecting sprinklers to pipe is desirable.

Sprinklers are also manufactured with an external groove for connectionto an outlet with a groove in the outer perimeter using a groovedcoupling. The grooved coupling typically comprises two housings that areconnected together with one or more bolts or screws and a sealinggasket. When connected together, the two housings span between andconnect the groove in the sprinkler with the groove in the outerperimeter of the outlet. The sealing gasket seals against both the outercircumference of the sprinkler and the outer circumference of the outletproviding a water-tight conduit between the sprinkler and the outlet.The grooved coupling connects the sprinkler to the outlet so that theend of the sprinkler remains outside of the outlet, which makes thesprinkler extended farther away from the pipe than an otherwiseidentical sprinkler inserted partially into the outlet (such as withthreads). Moving the sprinkler farther from the pipe requires more spacefor installation, creates a more difficult to support sprinkler duringseismic events, and may cause the sprinkler to be located farther from aceiling, delaying activation. This is disadvantageous.

Generally speaking, so called quick connector assemblies are also knownin the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,851,035 discusses such a quickconnector assembly that includes a housing with an open bore thatextends along an axis from an open first end for receiving across-linked polyethylene (PEX) tube to an open second end for receivingcopper or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe. The housingpresents an inner surface that defines the open bore and an outersurface. Between the first and second ends, the housing serially extendsthrough a first end section, a first intermediate section, a secondintermediate section and a second end section. The outer surface of thefirst end section is formed according to ASTM F-1960 standards toestablish a fluid connection with the PEX tube through a standardexpansion connection with a PEX expansion ring. However, it should beappreciated that the first end section could be configured forattachment with the PEX tube through any suitable style of connectionincluding, for example, shark bite connections, compression connections,crimping connections, clamping connections or pressing connections. Thehousing is preferably made as one integral piece of a polymeric materialand is preferably formed through an injection molding process. Thehousing also may be made of any suitable materials and through anysuitable forming processes.

Another so called quick connect fitting is discussed in U.S. Pat. No.9,650,768. The quick-connect fitting includes a housing attached to aquick-connect portion of a molded base. A retention ring attached to anadapter is held in place in the quick-connect fitting by a housing and aretention clip. The quick-connect fitting also includes a first O-ring,a back-up ring, and a second O-ring to seal the connection. Anotherillustrative quick-connect fitting is available from BrassCraft Mfg. Co,Novi Mich. Parts of the quick connect fitting vary depending on theconnector system for use therewith. Exemplary connector systems mayinclude, but are not limited to, SureConnect and NGS (available fromBrassCraft Mfg Co, Novi, Mich.), Push-to-Lock (available from RayconnectInc, Rochester Hills, Mich.), the Shark Bite Connection System(available from Reliance Worldwide Corporation, Birmingham, Ala.) or JGSpeedfit (available from John Guest USA Inc, Fairfield, N.J.).

Such quick connector assemblies and quick connect fittings havedrawbacks, however, in that they are typically “one and done.” In otherwords, once connected, they may not be easily unconnected. Ifunconnected, the connections are damaged. This is undesirable.

Accordingly, a need has arisen to provide a fire protection sprinklerwith a push-in connection that overcomes the drawbacks associated withconventional devices, as noted above, while yet still providing for therequisite spray patterns and/or outputs needed in the industry for firesuppression.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Our invention is a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection.The sprinkler comprises a sprinkler frame, an operating element, and asealing cap. The sprinkler also comprises one or more sealing gasketsand a retainer. Each such sealing gasket is located at least partiallywithin a groove in the sprinkler frame. The retainer is also at leastpartially located within a groove in the sprinkler frame. The retainerconnects to the internal bore of a welded outlet or a mechanical outletwhen the sprinkler is installed in the outlet. The one or more gasketsseal against the internal bore of a welded outlet or a mechanical outletwhen the sprinkler is installed in the outlet. The retainer can be aspring mechanism so that the diameter of the retainer is reduced whenthe sprinkler is inserted into the internal bore of the outlet, and theretainer maintains pressure against the internal bore of the outlet whenthe sprinkler is installed in the outlet. To provide a positiveconnection between the retainer and the outlet, the outlet may have acircumferential groove in its inner bore so that the retainer is locatedat least partially within both the groove in the sprinkler frame and thegroove in the outlet when the sprinkler is installed to the outlet. Thesprinkler may be removed from the outlet by compressing the retainer sothat the retainer is less than the diameter of the internal bore of theoutlet allowing the sprinkler to be pulled from the outlet.

These and other features of our invention will be described withreference to the drawings, described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional upright fire protectionsprinkler mounted on a supply conduit.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a conventional enhanced protectionextended coverage pendent sprinkler.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a deflector showing a surface facing away froman outlet orifice in the sprinkler shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the deflector in the plane of the framearms.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the deflector showing the surface facingaway from the outlet orifice.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fire protection sprinkler with apush-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view showing the fire protection sprinkler with apush-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 8 shows a hexagonal retainer that may be used with a fireprotection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 9 shows a multi-lobe wire retainer that may be used with a fireprotection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 10 shows an oval retainer that may be used with a fire protectionsprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 11 shows a pressure sealed gasket with one or more sealing finsthat may be used with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-inconnection of our invention.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary O-ring that may be used with a fireprotection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary gasket with one or more lobes that may beused with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection of ourinvention.

FIG. 14 shows another exemplary gasket with one or more lobes that maybe used with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection ofour invention.

FIG. 15 shows a notched gasket that may be used with a fire protectionsprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 16 shows yet another example of a gasket that may be used with afire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention.

FIG. 17A shows an example of an outlet that may have a circumferentialgroove in its inner bore.

FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet shown in FIG. 17Ataken along cross-sectional line 17A-17A to show more clearly thecircumferential groove.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Our invention is a sprinkler with a push-in connection. The sprinklercomprises a sprinkler frame, an operating element, and a sealing cap.The sprinkler also comprises one or more sealing gaskets and a retainer.Each such sealing gasket is located at least partially within a groovein the sprinkler frame. The retainer is also at least partially locatedwithin a groove in the sprinkler frame. The retainer connects to theinternal bore of a welded outlet or a mechanical outlet when thesprinkler is installed in the outlet. The one or more gaskets sealagainst the internal bore of a welded outlet or a mechanical outlet whenthe sprinkler is installed in the outlet. The retainer can be a springmechanism so that the diameter of the retainer is reduced when thesprinkler is inserted into the internal bore of the outlet, and theretainer maintains pressure against the internal bore of the outlet whenthe sprinkler is installed in the outlet. To provide a positiveconnection between the retainer and the outlet, the outlet may have acircumferential groove in its inner bore so that the retainer is locatedat least partially within both the groove in the sprinkler frame and thegroove in the outlet when the sprinkler is installed to the outlet. Thesprinkler may be removed from the outlet by compressing the retainer sothat the retainer is less than the diameter of the internal bore of theoutlet allowing the sprinkler to be pulled from the outlet.

Currently, a sprinkler with a hexagonal retainer and a pressure sealedgasket with two sealing fins is the most promising embodiment. Thepressure sealed gasket comprises one or more fins, where one side ofeach fin touches the inner bore of the outlet when the sprinkler isinstalled and the other side of each fin is exposed to the water or airwithin the outlet. When the water or air within the pipe and outlet ispressurized, the water or air presses the fin against the inner bore ofthe outlet improving the seal. Multiple fins are provided to improvereliability if imperfections in the inner bore of the outlet, debris, orother reasons prevent a fin from maintaining a leak-tight seal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fire protection sprinkler with apush-in connection of our invention. FIG. 6 includes reference numbers600, showing a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection, 603,showing a push-in connector of our invention, 606, showing a frame arm,615, showing a thermally responsive frangible mechanism, 620, showing asupport base, 625, showing an output orifice, 635, showing a springmechanism, 640, showing a corner slot of deflector, 645, showing anangled slot of the deflector, and 650, showing a support frame.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view showing the fire protection sprinkler with apush-in connection of our invention. FIG. 7 includes reference numbers700, showing a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection, 703,showing a push-in connector of our invention, 706, showing a frame arm,710, showing a support base, 715, showing a thermally responsivefrangible mechanism, 730, showing an outer edge of a recess, 735,showing a spring mechanism located within the recess, 740, showing adeflector, and 750, showing a support frame.

FIG. 8 shows a hexagonal retainer that may be used with a fireprotection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention. FIG. 8includes reference numbers 800, showing a hexagonal retainer springmechanism, 820, showing an inner parameter surface, 825, showing anouter parameter surface, 830, showing a flange portion, and 835, arecessed portion.

FIG. 9 shows a multi-lobe wire retainer that may be used with a fireprotection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention. FIG. 9includes reference numbers 900, showing a multi-lobe wire retainerspring mechanism, 975, showing a depending leg, 980, showing one arcuatesegment, and 985, showing an adjoining arcuate segment.

The five most common spring wire material options:

-   -   Stainless Steel—Cold drawn general purpose wire. Features        include corrosion and heat resistance.    -   Music Wire—Highest quality cold drawn, high carbon wire. High        strength and features a good surface finish.    -   Hard Drawn MB—Cold drawn wire for average stress applications.        Medium strength and low cost.    -   Oil Tempered—Wire is cold drawn and heat treated before        fabrication. Good general purpose spring wire for torsion        springs.    -   Brass—Generally not used as commonly due to cost. Tends to        tarnish and change color over time. Features good corrosion and        water resistance.

FIG. 10 shows an oval retainer that may be used with a fire protectionsprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention. FIG. 10 includesreference numbers 1000, showing an oval retainer that may be used with afire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention,1020, showing an inner peripheral surface, 1030, showing an upper edgeof the flange portion, and 1035, showing a recessed groove.

FIG. 11 shows a pressure sealed gasket with one or more sealing finsthat may be used with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-inconnection of the invention. FIG. 10 includes reference numbers 1100,showing a pressure sealed gasket with one or more sealing fins that maybe used with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection ofour invention, 1130, showing a sealing fin, 1135, showing a recess, and1140, showing an inner peripheral surface.

FIG. 12 shows an O-ring that may be used with a fire protectionsprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention. FIG. 12 includesreference numbers 1200, showing an O-ring that may be used with a fireprotection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention, 1210,showing an outer peripheral edge, and 1215, showing an inner peripheraledge.

Generally speaking, an O-ring, also known as a packing or a toric joint,is a mechanical gasket in the shape of a torus. It is a loop ofelastomer with a round cross section, designed to be seated in a grooveand compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating aseal at the interface.

The O-ring may be used in static applications or in dynamic applicationswhere there is relative motion between the parts and the O-ring. Staticapplications of O-rings may include fluid or gas sealing applications inwhich: (1) the O-ring is compressed resulting in zero clearance, (2) theO-ring material is a vulcanized solid such that it is impermeable to thefluid or gas, and (3) the O-ring material is resistant to degradation bythe fluid or gas.

O-rings are one of the most common seals used in machine design becausethey are inexpensive, easy to make, reliable, and have simple mountingrequirements. They have been tested to seal up to 5000 psi (35megapascals) of pressure. The maximum recommended pressure of an O-ringseal depends on the seal hardness and gland clearance.

O-rings are available in various metric and inch standard sizes. Sizesare specified by the inside diameter and the cross section diameter(thickness). In the U.S., the most common standard inch sizes are perSAE AS568C specification (e.g., AS568-214). ISO 3601-1:2012 contains themost commonly used standard sizes, both inch and metric, worldwide. TheUK also has standards sizes known as British Standard (BS) sizes,typically ranging from BS001 to BS932. Several other size specificationsalso exist.

Successful O-ring joint design requires a rigid mechanical mounting thatapplies a predictable deformation to the O-ring. This introduces acalculated mechanical stress at the O-ring contacting surfaces. As longas the pressure of the fluid being contained does not exceed the contactstress of the O-ring, leaking cannot occur. The pressure of thecontained fluid transfers through the essentially incompressible O-ringmaterial, and the contact stress rises with increasing pressure. Forthis reason, an O-ring can easily seal high pressure as long as it doesnot fail mechanically. The most common failure is extrusion through themating parts.

The seal is designed to have a point contact between the O-ring andsealing faces. This allows a high local stress, able to contain highpressure, without exceeding the yield stress of the O-ring body. Theflexible nature of O-ring materials accommodates imperfections in themounting parts. But it is still important to maintain good surfacefinish of those mating parts, especially at low temperatures where theseal rubber reaches its glass transition temperature and becomesincreasingly crystalline. Surface finish is also especially important indynamic applications. A surface finish that is too rough will abrade thesurface of the O-ring, and a surface that is too smooth will not allowthe seal to be adequately lubricated by a fluid film.

O-ring selection is based on chemical compatibility, applicationtemperature, sealing pressure, lubrication requirements, durometer,size, and cost.

O-rings are typically made from the following materials:

-   -   (A) Synthetic rubbers or thermosets        -   Butadiene rubber (BR)        -   Butyl rubber (IIR)        -   Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM)        -   Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECH, ECO)        -   Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM): good resistance to            hot water and steam, detergents, caustic potash solutions,            sodium hydroxide solutions, silicone oils and greases, many            polar solvents and many diluted acids and chemicals. Special            formulations are excellent for use with glycol-based brake            fluids. Unsuitable for use with mineral oil products:            lubricants, oils, or fuels. Peroxide-cured compounds are            suitable for higher temperatures.        -   Ethylene propylene rubber (EPR)        -   Fluoroelastomer (FKM): noted for their very high resistance            to heat and a wide variety of chemicals. Other key benefits            include excellent resistance to aging and ozone, very low            gas permeability and the fact that the materials are            self-extinguishing. Standard FKM materials have excellent            resistance to mineral oils and greases, aliphatic, aromatic            and chlorinated hydrocarbons, fuels, non-flammable hydraulic            fluids (HFD) and many organic solvents and chemicals.            Generally not resistant to hot water, steam, polar solvents,            glycol-based brake fluids and low molecular weight organic            acids. In addition to the standard FKM materials, a number            of specialty materials with different monomer compositions            and fluorine content (65% to 71%) are available that offer            improved chemical or temperature resistance and/or better            low temperature performance.        -   Nitrile rubber (NBR, HNBR, HSN, Buna-N): a common material            for 0-rings because of its good mechanical properties, its            resistance to lubricants and greases, and its relatively low            cost. The physical and chemical resistance properties of NBR            materials are determined by the acrylonitrile (ACN) content            of the base polymer: low content ensures good flexibility at            low temperatures, but offers limited resistance to oils and            fuels. As the ACN content increases, the low temperature            flexibility reduces and the resistance to oils and fuels            improves. Physical and chemical resistance properties of NBR            materials are also affected by the cure system of the            polymer. Peroxide-cured materials have improved physical            properties, chemical resistance and thermal properties, as            compared to sulfur-donor-cured materials. Standard grades of            NBR are typically resistant to mineral oil-based lubricants            and greases, many grades of hydraulic fluids, aliphatic            hydrocarbons, silicone oils and greases and water to about            80° C. NBR is generally not resistant to aromatic and            chlorinated hydrocarbons, fuels with a high aromatic            content, polar solvents, glycol-based brake fluids and            non-flammable hydraulic fluids (HFD). NBR also has low            resistance to ozone, weathering and aging. HNBR has            considerable improvement of the resistance to heat, ozone            and aging, and gives it good mechanical properties.        -   Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)        -   Polyacrylate rubber (ACM)        -   Polychloroprene (neoprene) (CR)        -   Polyisoprene (IR)        -   Polysulfide rubber (PSR)        -   Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)        -   Sanifluor (FEPM)        -   Silicone rubber (SiR): noted for their ability to be used            over a wide temperature range and for excellent resistance            to ozone, weathering and aging. Compared with most other            sealing elastomers, the physical properties of silicones are            poor. Generally, silicone materials are physiologically            harmless so they are commonly used by the food and drug            industries. Standard silicones are resistant to water (to            100° C.), aliphatic engine and transmission oils and animal            and plant oils and fats. Silicones are generally not            resistant to fuels, aromatic mineral oils, steam (short term            to 120° C. is possible), silicone oils and greases, acids or            alkalis. Fluorosilicone elastomers are far more resistant to            oils and fuels. The temperature range of applications is            somewhat more restricted.        -   Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR); and    -   (B) Thermoplastics:        -   Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) styrenics        -   Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, ULDPE        -   Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polyether, polyester:            Polyurethanes differ from classic elastomers in that they            have much better mechanical properties. In particular they            have a high resistance to abrasion, wear and extrusion, a            high tensile strength and excellent tear resistance.            Polyurethanes are generally resistant to aging and ozone,            mineral oils and greases, silicone oils and greases,            nonflammable hydraulic fluids HFA & HFB, water up to 50° C.            and aliphatic hydrocarbons.        -   Thermoplastic etheresterelastomers (TEEEs) copolyesters        -   Thermoplastic polyamide (PEBA) Polyamides        -   Melt Processible Rubber (MPR)        -   Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)    -   (C) Chemical Compatibility        -   Air, 200-300° F. -Silicone        -   Water—EPDM

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary gasket with one or more lobes that may beused with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection of ourinvention. FIG. 13 includes reference numbers 1300, showing an exemplarygasket that may be used with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-inconnection of our invention, 1305, shows a sealing lobe, 1310, shows arecess, and 1315 shows an inner peripheral surface.

FIG. 14 shows another exemplary gasket with one or more lobes that maybe used with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection ofour invention. FIG. 14 includes reference numbers 1400, showing anexemplary gasket that may be used with a fire protection sprinkler witha push-in connection of our invention, 1405, showing a recess, 1410,showing a sealing lobe, and 1415, showing an inner peripheral surface.

FIG. 15 shows a notched gasket that may be used with a fire protectionsprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention. FIG. 15 includesreference numbers 1500 showing a notched gasket that may be used with afire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention,1530, showing an inner peripheral surface, 1535, showing an outerperipheral surface, and 1540, showing a notch.

FIG. 16 shows yet another example of a gasket that may be used with afire protection sprinkler with a push-in connection of our invention.FIG. 16 includes reference numbers 1600, showing an example of a gasketthat may be used with a fire protection sprinkler with a push-inconnection of our invention, 1620, showing a lower lobe, 1625, showing arecess, 1630, showing an inner peripheral surface, 1635, showing anupper edge, and 1640, showing an upper lobe.

With the exception, of course, of the multi-lobe wire retainer shown inFIG. 9 , the materials set forth above for the O-ring shown in FIG. 12may also be used for the retainers and gaskets shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 11,and 13 to 16 , as desired.

FIG. 17A shows an example of an outlet that may have a circumferentialgroove in its inner bore. FIG. 17A includes reference numbers 1700,showing an outlet that may be used with a fire protection sprinkler witha push-in connection of our invention, 1710, showing an upper recess,1720, showing a lower recess, and 1730, showing an inner peripheralsurface.

FIG. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet shown in FIG. 17Ataken along cross-sectional line 17A-17A to show more clearly thecircumferential groove. FIG. 17B includes reference numbers 1700,showing the outlet that may be used with a fire protection sprinklerwith a push-in connection of our invention, 1710, showing the upperrecess, 1720, showing the lower recess, 1730, showing the innerperipheral surface, and 1740, showing an inlet.

While the present invention has been described with respect to what are,at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A fire protection sprinkler having a push-in connection forbeing connected to a fluid supply conduit, the fluid supply conduithaving an outlet, the outlet having an internal bore with an internalcircumferential groove, the fire protection sprinkler comprising: asprinkler frame having an input end and an output end, and a pluralityof grooves at the input end; a frangible element designed to fail at apredetermined temperature so that fluid flows from the fluid supplyconduit to the output end of the sprinkler frame; at least one sealinggasket, each of the at least one sealing gasket being located at leastpartially within a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves in thesprinkler frame; and a retainer also at least partially located within acorresponding one of the grooves in the sprinkler frame, wherein theretainer is oval and has an inner peripheral surface, an upper edge, anda recessed groove, and the retainer connects the fire protectionsprinkler to the internal circumferential groove of the internal bore ofthe outlet of the fluid supply conduit when the fire protectionsprinkler is connected to the fluid supply conduit, wherein, when thefire protection sprinkler is inserted into the fluid supply conduit soas to be connected to the fluid supply conduit, the at least one sealinggasket seals against the internal bore of the outlet of the fluid supplyconduit.
 2. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one sealing gasket is a notched gasket having an innerperipheral surface, an outer peripheral surface, and a notch.
 3. Thefire protection sprinkler according to claim 1, wherein the at least onesealing gasket has one or more lobes, each lobe including a sealinglobe, a recess, and an inner peripheral surface.
 4. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is a springmechanism having a diameter, the diameter of the retainer being reducedwhen the fire protection sprinkler is inserted into the internal bore ofthe outlet of the fluid supply conduit, and the diameter of the retainerexpanding to maintain pressure against the internal bore of the outletwhen the fire protection sprinkler is installed in the internal bore. 5.The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 4, wherein the retaineris located at least partially within both the corresponding groove inthe sprinkler frame and the internal circumferential groove in theinternal bore of the outlet of the fluid supply conduit when the fireprotection sprinkler is installed in the internal bore, in order tomaintain a positive connection between the fire protection sprinkler andthe internal bore.
 6. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim5, wherein the fire protection sprinkler is removed from the internalcircumferential groove of the internal bore of the outlet by compressingthe retainer so that the diameter of the retainer is reduced to be lessthan a diameter of the internal bore of the outlet, allowing the fireprotection sprinkler to be pulled from the internal bore of the outletfor removal of the fire protection sprinkler.
 7. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing gasketis a pressure sealed gasket having one or more sealing fins.
 8. The fireprotection sprinkler according to claim 7, wherein one side of each fincontacts the internal bore of the outlet of the fluid supply conduitwhen the fire protection sprinkler is installed in the internal bore,and another side of each fin is exposed to water or air contained withinthe fluid supply conduit.
 9. The fire protection sprinkler according toclaim 8, wherein, when the water or air contained within the fluidsupply conduit is pressurized, the water or air presses a respectivesealing fin against the internal bore of the outlet of the fluid supplyconduit, to seal the fire protection sprinkler.
 10. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 1, wherein the retainer is a multi-loberetainer spring mechanism.
 11. The fire protection sprinkler accordingto claim 10, wherein the multi-lobe retainer spring mechanism has adepending leg, an arcuate segment, and an adjoining arcuate segment. 12.The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 10, wherein themulti-lobe retainer spring mechanism is made of a material selected fromthe group consisting of stainless steel, music wire, cold drawn wire,oil tempered wire, and brass.
 13. The fire protection sprinkleraccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing gasket is anO-ring made of a synthetic rubber or a thermoset material.
 14. The fireprotection sprinkler according to claim 13, wherein the synthetic rubberor the thermoset material is selected from the group consisting ofbutadiene rubber, butyl rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene,epichloronhydrin rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomers, ethylenepropylene rubber, fluoroelastomers, nitrile rubber, perfluoroelastomer,polyacrylate rubber, polychloroprene, polyisoprene, polysulfide rubber,polytetrafluoroethylene, sanifluor, and silicon rubber.
 15. The fireprotection sprinkler according to claim 1, wherein the at least onesealing gasket is an O-ring made of a thermoplastic material.
 16. Thefire protection sprinkler according to claim 15, wherein thethermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting ofthermoplastic elastomer styrenics, thermoplastic polyolefin LDPE, HDPE,LLDPE, ULDPE, thermoplastic polyurethane polyether or polyester,thermoplastic etheresterelastomer copolyesters, thermoplasticpolyamides, melt processible runner, and thermoplastic vulcanizate. 17.A fire protection sprinkler having a push-in connection for beingconnected to a fluid supply conduit, the fluid supply conduit having anoutlet, the outlet having an internal bore with an internalcircumferential groove, the fire protection sprinkler comprising: asprinkler frame having an input end and an output end, and a pluralityof grooves at the input end; a frangible element designed to fail at apredetermined temperature so that fluid flows from the fluid supplyconduit to the output end of the sprinkler frame; at least one sealinggasket, each of the at least one sealing gasket being located at leastpartially within a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves in thesprinkler frame and each of the at least one sealing gasket being anotched gasket having an inner peripheral surface, an outer peripheralsurface, and a notch; and a retainer also at least partially locatedwithin a corresponding one of the grooves in the sprinkler frame, theretainer connecting the fire protection sprinkler to the internalcircumferential groove of the internal bore of the outlet of the fluidsupply conduit when the fire protection sprinkler is connected to thefluid supply conduit, wherein, when the fire protection sprinkler isinserted into the fluid supply conduit so as to be connected to thefluid supply conduit, the at least one sealing gasket seals against theinternal bore of the outlet of the fluid supply conduit.
 18. The fireprotection sprinkler according to claim 17, wherein the retainer is ovaland has an inner peripheral surface, an upper edge, and a recessedgroove.
 19. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 17, whereinthe retainer is a spring mechanism having a diameter, the diameter ofthe retainer being reduced when the fire protection sprinkler isinserted into the internal bore of the outlet of the fluid supplyconduit, and the diameter of the retainer expanding to maintain pressureagainst the internal bore of the outlet when the fire protectionsprinkler is installed in the internal bore.
 20. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 19, wherein the retainer is located atleast partially within both the corresponding groove in the sprinklerframe and the internal circumferential groove in the internal bore ofthe outlet of the fluid supply conduit when the fire protectionsprinkler is installed in the internal bore, in order to maintain apositive connection between the fire protection sprinkler and theinternal bore.
 21. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 20,wherein the fire protection sprinkler is removed from the internalcircumferential groove of the internal bore of the outlet by compressingthe retainer so that the diameter of the retainer is reduced to be lessthan a diameter of the internal bore of the outlet, allowing the fireprotection sprinkler to be pulled from the internal bore of the outletfor removal of the fire protection sprinkler.
 22. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 17, wherein the at least one sealing gasketis a pressure sealed gasket having one or more sealing fins.
 23. Thefire protection sprinkler according to claim 22, wherein one side ofeach fin contacts the internal bore of the outlet of the fluid supplyconduit when the fire protection sprinkler is installed in the internalbore, and another side of each fin is exposed to water or air containedwithin the fluid supply conduit.
 24. The fire protection sprinkleraccording to claim 23, wherein, when the water or air contained withinthe fluid supply conduit is pressurized, the water or air presses arespective sealing fin against the internal bore of the outlet of thefluid supply conduit, to seal the fire protection sprinkler.
 25. Thefire protection sprinkler according to claim 17, wherein the retainer isa multi-lobe retainer spring mechanism.
 26. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 25, wherein the multi-lobe retainer springmechanism has a depending leg, an arcuate segment, and an adjoiningarcuate segment.
 27. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim25, wherein the multi-lobe retainer spring mechanism is made of amaterial selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, musicwire, cold drawn wire, oil tempered wire, and brass.
 28. The fireprotection sprinkler according to claim 17, wherein the at least onesealing gasket is an O-ring made of a synthetic rubber or a thermosetmaterial.
 29. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 28,wherein the synthetic rubber or the thermoset material is selected fromthe group consisting of butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene, epichloronhydrin rubber, ethylene propylene dienemonomers, ethylene propylene rubber, fluoroelastomers, nitrile rubber,perfluoroelastomer, polyacrylate rubber, polychloroprene, polyisoprene,polysulfide rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, sanifluor, and siliconrubber.
 30. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 17, whereinthe at least one sealing gasket is an O-ring made of a thermoplasticmaterial.
 31. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 30,wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from the group consistingof thermoplastic elastomer styrenics, thermoplastic polyolefin LDPE,HDPE, LLDPE, ULDPE, thermoplastic polyurethane polyether or polyester,thermoplastic etheresterelastomer copolyesters, thermoplasticpolyamides, melt processible runner, and thermoplastic vulcanizate. 32.A fire protection sprinkler having a push-in connection for beingconnected to a fluid supply conduit, the fluid supply conduit having anoutlet, the outlet having an internal bore with an internalcircumferential groove, the fire protection sprinkler comprising: asprinkler frame having an input end and an output end, and a pluralityof grooves at the input end; a frangible element designed to fail at apredetermined temperature so that fluid flows from the fluid supplyconduit to the output end of the sprinkler frame; at least one sealinggasket, each of the at least one sealing gasket being located at leastpartially within a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves in thesprinkler frame and each of the at least one sealing gasket having oneor more lobes, each lobe including a sealing lobe, a recess, and aninner peripheral surface; and a retainer also at least partially locatedwithin a corresponding one of the grooves in the sprinkler frame, theretainer connecting the fire protection sprinkler to the internalcircumferential groove of the internal bore of the outlet of the fluidsupply conduit when the fire protection sprinkler is connected to thefluid supply conduit, wherein, when the fire protection sprinkler isinserted into the fluid supply conduit so as to be connected to thefluid supply conduit, the at least one sealing gasket seals against theinternal bore of the outlet of the fluid supply conduit.
 33. The fireprotection sprinkler according to claim 32, wherein the retainer is ovaland has an inner peripheral surface, an upper edge, and a recessedgroove.
 34. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 32, whereinthe retainer is a spring mechanism having a diameter, the diameter ofthe retainer being reduced when the fire protection sprinkler isinserted into the internal bore of the outlet of the fluid supplyconduit, and the diameter of the retainer expanding to maintain pressureagainst the internal bore of the outlet when the fire protectionsprinkler is installed in the internal bore.
 35. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 34, wherein the retainer is located atleast partially within both the corresponding groove in the sprinklerframe and the internal circumferential groove in the internal bore ofthe outlet of the fluid supply conduit when the fire protectionsprinkler is installed in the internal bore, in order to maintain apositive connection between the fire protection sprinkler and theinternal bore.
 36. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 35,wherein the fire protection sprinkler is removed from the internalcircumferential groove of the internal bore of the outlet by compressingthe retainer so that the diameter of the retainer is reduced to be lessthan a diameter of the internal bore of the outlet, allowing the fireprotection sprinkler to be pulled from the internal bore of the outletfor removal of the fire protection sprinkler.
 37. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 32, wherein the at least one sealing gasketis a pressure sealed gasket having one or more sealing fins.
 38. Thefire protection sprinkler according to claim 37, wherein one side ofeach fin contacts the internal bore of the outlet of the fluid supplyconduit when the fire protection sprinkler is installed in the internalbore, and another side of each fin is exposed to water or air containedwithin the fluid supply conduit.
 39. The fire protection sprinkleraccording to claim 38, wherein, when the water or air contained withinthe fluid supply conduit is pressurized, the water or air presses arespective sealing fin against the internal bore of the outlet of thefluid supply conduit, to seal the fire protection sprinkler.
 40. Thefire protection sprinkler according to claim 32, wherein the retainer isa multi-lobe retainer spring mechanism.
 41. The fire protectionsprinkler according to claim 40, wherein the multi-lobe retainer springmechanism has a depending leg, an arcuate segment, and an adjoiningarcuate segment.
 42. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim40, wherein the multi-lobe retainer spring mechanism is made of amaterial selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, musicwire, cold drawn wire, oil tempered wire, and brass.
 43. The fireprotection sprinkler according to claim 33, wherein the at least onesealing gasket is an O-ring made of a synthetic rubber or a thermosetmaterial.
 44. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 43,wherein the synthetic rubber or the thermoset material is selected fromthe group consisting of butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene, epichloronhydrin rubber, ethylene propylene dienemonomers, ethylene propylene rubber, fluoroelastomers, nitrile rubber,perfluoroelastomer, polyacrylate rubber, polychloroprene, polyisoprene,polysulfide rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, sanifluor, and siliconrubber.
 45. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 32, whereinthe at least one sealing gasket is an O-ring made of a thermoplasticmaterial.
 46. The fire protection sprinkler according to claim 45,wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from the group consistingof thermoplastic elastomer styrenics, thermoplastic polyolefin LDPE,HDPE, LLDPE, ULDPE, thermoplastic polyurethane polyether or polyester,thermoplastic etheresterelastomer copolyesters, thermoplasticpolyamides, melt processible runner, and thermoplastic vulcanizate.